Branko and Alison were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Balboa Park. They opted to do a “first look” before the ceremony to make sure that we had plenty of time to take their portraits… and I just love the look on Alison’s face when she saw her groom for the first time all dressed up

The last few minutes before a ceremony when a bride is alone with her dad are always some of my favorites. I love to watch their interaction as they prepare to head down the aisle. Maybe becoming a parent has made me a bit sentimental… but I always imagine how emotional it must be for the parents giving their children away (sniff sniff). I am pretty sure I’ll be a basket case when my kids get married. Lucky for me I have a few dozen years to prepare

The first dance. So sweet!

This wedding had some of the most sincere and heartfelt toasts that I have heard in a long time. I love when the bridal party really takes time to think about what the bride and groom mean to them.

The maid of honor’s toast was sweet… but the best man’s speech may have been the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. He was so choked up he was having a hard time getting his words out and had to have his brother the groom come up to stand by his side. Now that is moving!

The father/daughter dance always kills me too. I’m such a softie

Branko and Alison congratulations! Your wedding was beautiful! I was so honored to be a part of it.

I cannot tell you how much I absolutely love all of these images.  Paul and Neda are two of my favorite people of all time.  Paul is one of Ben’s best best friends from way back when and Neda is his super awesome fiance.  They live in Texas but came out to pay us a visit and I was over the moon when they asked me to take some engagement photos for them.  I was secretly hoping I might be able to take one or two but to have them ask me to do a whole session?!  YAY!

We headed out to one of my favorite beachy spots just in time for sunset and with all of the beautiful southern California wildflowers in bloom.  Photographer heaven!  I had so much fun and I just love that their happiness is spilling out of each and every one of these.  I feel like I can hear them laughing just by looking at the pictures.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Paul and Neda thank you SO much for asking me to do this session for you. I had such a blast! I cannot wait for your wedding!!

Who doesn’t love happy couples getting hitched in gorgeous attire in a gorgeous location?! I certainly do! Just one sneak peek of this Saturday’s wedding. More soon!

Hello world, I am still here.  I am still busy (VERY)  I guess I just haven’t been very good about keeping you updated.  Here is the whirlwind version of what’s been going on for the last few months…

I took portraits of some ridiculously adorable babies and families (still yet to blog!)

some twins

and triplets (!)

shot a Korean Dol for Kyle, the little brother of adorable Tessa from a few years back

and some engagements for good friends

I still owe you more from this one

and a gorgeous and serene wedding as well

I have also been traveling like a mad woman – to San Francisco (a lot) for a bridal shower I threw for one of my best friends who was getting married

and her dress fitting

and then to her wedding

to San Diego for an engagement party for another of my good friends

and to Kansas to visit family including our adorable baby niece (don’t you just want to squeeze her cheeks?!)

and oh, did I mention my kids are now almost TWO?! when did that happen?! I’m pretty sure they’re the cutest 21 month old kids I know… but I might be biased they like to be tickled

and make funny faces

and wear hats (which is hilarious).

they’re pretty much awesome.

So as you can see my life (and business) is busy (and fabulous all at the same time) and will continue to be so throughout the summer. I have three (!!) more weddings in June, non-stop action in July as well (including Ben’s brother’s wedding, woohoo!) and an extra special surprise in August that I’ll be filling you in on soon. I know I have said it before but I PROMISE that I will be blogging more regularly from here on out. Scout’s honor